BUY IN BEDFORD THIS CHRISTMAS

A campaign to encourage and promote shopping in Bedford Borough will be officially launched by the Mayor, Dave Hodgson on Wednesday 1st December.

'Buy in Bedford' aims to encourage more people to do their shopping with local retailers and suppliers and help to support local businesses. To demonstrate his support, Dave Hodgson will be doing all of his Christmas shopping in the borough, starting with the campaign's launch at Podington Garden Centre on Wednesday.

The Buy in Bedford campaign will increase shoppers' awareness of the benefits of buying food and produce from Bedford's local markets and retailers. The campaign will also highlight the vast range of independent retailers across the borough and encourage people to buy locally and support businesses, strengthening the local economy through these difficult times.

Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, said: "Bedford has a wealth of high quality traders and retailers spread right across the borough. Buy in Bedford will promote the benefits of shopping locally and encourage residents to spend their money in the borough, supporting our local economy during these tough economic times.

"Shopping locally at markets and from local retailers is convenient and good for the environment, while also helping to protect and enhance Bedford's character."

Buying locally means:

Supporting your neighbours and local economy

Food will be fresh, seasonal and therefore healthier for you

Low air miles. Buying locally means less pollution

Help sustain Bedford's culture, independence and individuality

To kick-start the campaign and endorse the ethos of trading and shopping locally, the Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, will be purchasing some of his Christmas presents at Podington Garden Centre at 12.15pm on Wednesday 1st December. Members of the media are welcome to attend.

Users of Twitter can also follow the campaign by using the trend #buyinbedford.